Portable Storage Structure

ABSTRACT

A portable storage structure comprising a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of side walls, a roof and a base which surround an inner cavity to store a plurality of items. The portable storage structure further includes a set of grooves extending over the roof and down the pair of side walls, where the set of grooves accept a set of straps to anchor the portable storage structure to the ground; a set of anchor points within the base, where the set of anchor points secure the base to the ground; and a set of handles, where the set of handles enable a user to lift and carry the portable storage structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a storage unit for outdoor use wherein the storage unit provides a portable structure for a user to house their outdoor items.

2. Description of Related Art

Outdoor storage sheds and garages are common structures utilized by many people to store their outdoor equipment and tools when not in use. Typically the sheds and garages are stationary units that are either built or installed at a specific location and are never moved, often becoming part of the property or house where they rest. These storage units are convenient for the user because they provide additional space to place their items besides inside their house or simply exposed to the elements. A problem with the sheds and garages is that they are often very expensive to construct, and are immobile once in place.

To save on costs some individuals use tarps or tents to create a simple structure to protect their items. The tarps are much more cost effective than the sheds but they are also much more unstable. Often the tarps rip or shred after extended use, and really do not protect the stored items from bad weather or theft. Additionally, the tarps may scratch the underlying items if the tarp itself becomes damaged.

The prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,501 by James W. Hall which discloses a portable shelter wherein a frame is constructed to create a structure. The frame may be directly anchored into the ground to keep the shelter in place. Draped over the frame is a covering to provide the roof and walls of the shelter. While the structure does provide shelter, the soft walls of the covering may become worn and ripped over time. Alternatively, U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,660 by Willie F. Melton discloses a portable garage wherein the garage is constructed from an internal frame with outer panels to create the floor, roof and walls. The garage provides a rigid structure to protect the stored items but the garage must be deconstructed for transport.

Consequently, it would be desirable in the art to provide a storage structure that protects the housed items from external damage by including firm walls and roof structures. It would also be beneficial in the art to provide a storage structure that enables the user to transport the structure without requiring the structure to be disassembled before moving.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a portable storage structure, configured to include all of the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable storage structure with rigid walls and roof elements to protect the housed items from external damage.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable storage structure that includes handles to enable a user to transport the structure from one location to another.

To achieve the above objects, in an aspect of the present invention, a portable storage structure is described comprising a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of side walls, a roof and a base which surround an inner cavity to store a plurality of items. The portable storage structure further includes a set of grooves extending over the roof and down the pair of side walls, where the set of grooves accept a set of straps to anchor the portable storage structure to the ground; a set of anchor points within the base, where the set of anchor points secure the base to the ground; and a set of handles, where the set of handles enable a user to lift and carry the portable storage structure.

These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a portable storage structure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a portable storage structure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a portable storage structure in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention relates to a storage unit for outdoor use wherein the storage unit provides a portable structure for a user to house their outdoor items. The present invention describes a portable storage structure which includes a front panel, a back panel, side walls, and a roof to create an inner cavity which stores the items. The portable storage structure protects the items from external elements such as sun, wind, rain, snow and theft. To ensure that the portable storage structure does not move a set of anchors points fasten the base to the ground. For additional security, a set of straps wrap over the roof and are nailed into the ground to prevent lift or tilting of the portable storage structure especially during storms. Composed of a hard, lightweight material, the portable storage structure includes a set of handles to allow the user to carry the structure from one place to another while the structure remains fully assembled.

Tuning now descriptively to the drawings, referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a portable storage structure (100) is shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The portable storage structure (100) includes a front panel (102), a back panel (not shown), a pair of side walls (104) (hereinafter side walls), a roof (106) and a base (108). The portable storage structure (100) may comprise a generally rectangular shape with the side walls (104) extending longer than the front panel (102). Alternatively, the portable storage structure (100) may comprise a more squared shape wherein the side walls (104) and the front panel (102) are the same length. The front panel (102), the back panel, the side walls (104) and the roof (106) may all be made of a hard plastic, fiberglass, aluminum or similar material. The material used for construction is durable, able to withstand environmental wear, yet light enough to allow a user (or multiple users) lift and carry the portable storage structure (100). A pair of handles (116 a, 116 b) may be attached to the front panel (102) and the back panel to assist the user when lifting the portable storage structure (100). The pair of handles (116 a, 116 b) enables the user to lift and then directly place the portable storage structure (100) over the item or items they wish to protect. The portable storage structure (100) may be transported fully assembled and does not have to be deconstructed for relocation.

The side walls (104) may be solid units that extend between the front panel (102) and the rear wall. Conversely, the side walls (104) may be partitioned into multiple panels that are joined together to create a single wall. Similarly, the roof (106) may be a solid unit or it may be partitioned into multiple panels like the side walls (104). The roof (106) may be flat creating a single piece atop the portable storage structure (100). Alternatively, the roof (106) may be sloped (as shown) utilizing multiple sloping portions thereby creating a gable or hip style roof.

With the sloped style roof (106) a gable end (118) is positioned beneath the angled portions of the sloped roof (106) and at an upper portion of the front panel (102). The gable end (118) may extend vertically, as with the gable roof, or slope between the front panel (102) and the roof (106), as with hip roof. The gable end (118) may include a set of vents (120) which allows fresh air to pass in and out of the portable storage structure (100). The set of vents (120) may be elongated slats or spaced holes both large enough for adequate airflow yet small enough to prevent bugs from entering.

Extending over the roof (106) and down along the side walls (104) may be a set of grooves (110 a, 110 b), notches or indentions (herein after grooves). The grooves (110 a, 110 b) accept a set of straps to anchor the portable storage structure (100) to the ground thereby preventing the structure from falling, tipping or lifting during inclement weather. The set of straps may be made of nylon, canvas, or elastic to securely tie down the portable storage structure (100).

The base (108) may comprise the entire bottom portion of the portable storage structure (100) creating a floor or platform within the inner cavity of the storage structure (100). Alternatively, the base (108) may be fastened only to the side walls (104) thereby creating feet or external supports for the portable storage structure (100). The base (108) may include a set of anchor points (112 a, 112 b) (hereinafter anchor points) to secure the base (108) to the ground. The anchor points (112 a, 112 b) may be holes in the base (108) that accept a set of securing means (114 a, 114 b) (hereinafter securing means). The securing means (114 a, 114 b) may be spiral hooks, nails, stakes, wickets or the like to engage the ground and prevent the base (108) from moving.

Referring to FIG. 2 a front view of the portable storage structure (100) is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates the strap (122) wrapping over the portable storage structure (100) and attaching to the ground. The strap (122) may include a set of securing means (124) to anchor the straps (122) similar to the securing means that fasten the base (108) to the ground.

Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a portable storage structure (200) is shown in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The portable storage structure (200) includes a front panel (202), a pair of side walls (204), a roof (206), a base (208), a set of grooves (212 a, 212 b) and a gable end (216). The front panel (202) may serve as a door that lifts and lowers at an edge (220) along a top portion of the front panel (202). When the front panel (202) is lifted it is in an open position, and when the front panel (202) is lowered it is in a closed position. The edge (220) may include a hinge to enable the front panel (202) to easily open and allow objects to be placed into the inner cavity (210) of the portable storage structure (200). A door handle (222) may be attached to a lower portion of the front panel (202) to open and close the inner cavity (210). Also, a pair of legs (218) may extend from the front panel (202) while in the open position to keep the front panel (202) lifted during use. A set of handle (214 a, 214 b, 214 c) may be positioned along the side walls (204) to allow the user to lift and carry the portable storage structure (200) from location to location.

The portable storage structure may be available in sizes ranging from small to large to accommodate fitting onto a desired portion of the user's property or to accommodate storing small items like barbeque grills or lawn mowers to large items like snowmobiles, automobiles or small boats. A lock may be attached to the front panel whereby the portable storage structure locks to prevent theft of the valuable items housed within the structure. As such, the portable storage structure provides a durable and easy to use storage unit, which allows convenient storage for a variety of users.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. A portable storage structure comprising; a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of side walls, a roof and a base which surround an inner cavity, where said inner cavity houses a plurality of items; a set of grooves extending over said roof and down said pair of side walls, where said set of grooves accept a set of straps to anchor said portable storage structure to the ground; a set of anchor points within said base, where said set of anchor points secure said base to the ground; and a set of handles, where said set of handles enable a user to lift and carry said portable storage structure.
 2. The portable storage structure according to claim 1, wherein said roof is flat.
 3. The portable storage structure according to claim 1, wherein said roof is sloped.
 4. The portable storage structure according to claim 3, wherein at an upper portion of said front panel is a gable end.
 5. The portable storage structure according to claim 4, wherein said gable end includes a set of vents to ventilate said inner cavity.
 6. The portable storage structure according to claim 1, wherein along an upper portion of said front panel is an edge, where said edge includes a hinge to enable said front panel to lift and lower.
 7. The portable storage structure according to claim 6, wherein said front panel includes a pair of legs to support said front panel when in an open position.
 8. The portable storage structure according to claim 6, wherein said front panel includes a lock.
 9. The portable storage structure according to claim 1, wherein said front panel, said back panel, said pair of side wall and said roof are made of a hard, durable and lightweight material.
 10. The portable storage structure according to claim 1, wherein said set of handles are positioned on said front panel and said back panel.
 11. The portable storage structure according to claims 1 and 6, wherein said set of handles are positioned along said pair of side walls.
 12. The portable storage structure according to claim 1, wherein said pair side walls and said roof are solid units.
 13. The portable storage structure according to claim 1, wherein said pair side walls and said roof comprise multiple panels.
 14. The portable storage structure according to claim 1, wherein said set of anchor points include a set of fastening means to secure said base to the ground.
 15. The portable storage structure according to claim 14, wherein said fastening means include one of at least a hook, nail, stake and wicket.
 16. The portable storage structure according to claim 1, wherein said set of straps are made of one of at least nylon, elastic and canvas. 